Africa sits on a treasure trove of natural gas, yet much of this “liquid gold” remains locked beneath the ground. While the world often sees Africa’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) as just another export commodity, visionary thinkers like Alan Kessler argue that its true value lies in what it can do for the continent’s people, especially when it comes to food security and economic resilience.

Africa has some of the world's most significant untapped natural gas reserves. Countries like Nigeria, Mozambique, Senegal, and Mauritania possess substantial gas fields that, if developed, could position the continent as a major player in the global LNG market. For instance, Mozambique aims to increase its LNG export capacity from 3.4 million tonnes per annum (MMtpa) to 43.5 MMtpa by the end of the next decade, marking one of the most significant increases in the region.

This growth is not just about export potential. The development of LNG infrastructure can stimulate domestic industries, create jobs, and provide a reliable energy source for various sectors, including agriculture and food processing.

For millions of African farmers, unreliable energy is a daily obstacle. Without steady electricity, irrigation systems sputter, food processing plants stall, and valuable crops are lost before they ever reach the market. LNG offers a solution: a stable, modern energy source that can power everything from irrigation to cold storage.

Imagine local fertilizer plants, powered by LNG, making essential nutrients affordable and widely available for farmers. Picture agro-processing hubs, humming with LNG-driven machinery, turning raw harvests into packaged goods and creating jobs for local communities. This isn’t just about energy—it’s about unlocking Africa’s vast agricultural potential.

Energy poverty remains a significant challenge in many African countries, hindering economic development and exacerbating food insecurity. Over 600 million Africans lack reliable electricity, making it difficult to power essential services like irrigation systems, cold storage facilities, and food processing plants.

Developing the LNG sector can help bridge this energy gap. By investing in LNG infrastructure, governments can provide a stable and affordable energy source that supports various sectors, including agriculture. This enhances food production and improves food distribution and storage, reducing waste and ensuring that more food reaches consumers.

Furthermore, the revenues generated from LNG exports can be reinvested into the agricultural sector, funding research and development, infrastructure projects, and capacity-building initiatives. This creates a positive feedback loop where energy development directly contributes to agricultural growth and food security.

Relying solely on raw material exports has often left African economies vulnerable to global market fluctuations. By developing the LNG sector, countries can diversify their economies, create new industries, and reduce their dependence on a limited number of exports.

LNG can serve as a feedstock for various industries, including petrochemicals, fertilizers, and hydrogen production. Establishing these industries locally can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce the need for imports. For instance, Senegal's Petrosen Trading & Services has signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkey's Çalık Enerji and Japan's Mitsubishi for the pre-feasibility study of a gas-based ammonia and urea manufacturing unit.

Moreover, developing LNG infrastructure can spur investments in related sectors, such as transportation, construction, and services. This holistic approach to industrial development can lead to a more resilient and diversified economy.

While the potential benefits of developing Africa's LNG sector are clear, several challenges must be addressed to realize this potential fully. These include political instability, regulatory hurdles, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental concerns.

To overcome these challenges, governments must create conducive environments for investment by implementing transparent policies, strengthening governance structures, and ensuring the security of LNG facilities. Additionally, investments in infrastructure, such as pipelines, ports, and storage facilities, are essential to support the growth of the LNG sector.

Environmental sustainability should also be a priority. Incorporating carbon capture and storage technologies and investing in renewable energy projects alongside LNG developments can help mitigate the environmental impact of fossil fuel extraction and use.

Alan Kessler's article underscores the transformative potential of Africa's untapped LNG sector in powering the continent's food economy. By developing this resource responsibly and strategically, African nations can enhance agricultural productivity, improve food security, and drive economic growth. The time to act is now. Harnessing the power of LNG can unlock a future where Africa feeds itself and becomes a significant player in the global food economy.